Month: July 2015

Book Review: The Comeback: How Aboriginals Are Reclaiming Power and Influence by John Ralston Saul

The Comeback

From The Catalyst, Summer 2015

The Comeback: How Aboriginals Are Reclaiming Power and Influence
By John Ralston Saul

Penguin Books, 2014

Reviewed by Michelle Nieviadomy

​The Comeback is a timely book that captures an uncensored narrative of the current status of our nation. It depicts the relationship between Indigenous people and Canada. Saul brings to light numerous historical accounts framing the current reality of Indigenous people. While this reality is one of injustice and struggle, he sheds equal light on the remarkable stories of countless Indigenous people who characterize the strength, resiliency, courage, and gifts they bring to this nation.

Book Review: Live Justly

Live Justly

From The Catalyst, Summer 2015

Live Justly
By Jason Fileta, Ronald J. Sider, Eugene Cho, Kimberly McOwen Yim, Shayne Moore, Rene Padilla, Nicholas Wolterstorff, and Sunia Gibbs

Micah Challenge USA, 2014

Reviewed by Monique Verhoef

I grew up on a steady diet of the phrase “where the rubber hits the road.” I recall it being used to say “let’s get real” or “now we are talking about what really matters.”

Micah Challenge’s book Live Justly is a “rubber hits the road” kind of book for those seeking to find traction in how to live out biblical justice as an integrated part of their daily lives. It is deeply rooted in scripture and the core beliefs that God is sovereign over all and that God loves justice. This book engages diverse learning styles to move the reader to consider living justly as an integrated act and expression of the love of God.

Churches Well-placed to Advocate for Refugees

Photo: tavker/flickr

From The Catalyst, Summer 2015

Canada is known for its welcoming policy for newcomers, but with over 50 million displaced people around the world, private sponsors are taking on more work as the federal government starts backing away. Churches or church-connected organizations represent 72 per cent of Sponsorship Agreement Holders. This puts them in a position to advocate to the government on behalf of refugees.

Book Review: The News: A User’s Manual by Alain de Botton

From the Catalyst, Summer 2015

The News: A User’s Manual
By Alain de Botton

Signal, 2014

Reviewed by Brad Wassink

Given the profound impact the news has on our lives – how we use our time, spend our money, and cast our votes – the media deserves much more focus in our public justice discussions. In 1984, CPJ produced the “Charter of Social Rights and Responsibilities,” a framework for how people of faith and various organizations, including the media, should engage in public life.

Book Review: Blessed are the Consumers by Sallie McFague

Parliament of Canada

From The Catalyst, Summer 2015

Blessed are the Consumers: Climate Change and the Practice of Restraint
By Sallie McFague

Fortress Press, 2013

Reviewed by Sheila McKinley osu

Sallie McFague, Distinguished Theologian in Residence at Vancouver School of Theology, takes an uncompromising stand in Blessed are the Consumers as she challenges us to live simply. She attributes this time of ecological devastation and financial chaos to our “insatiable appetites that are literally consuming the world.” What she proposes is restraint so that abundant life might be possible for all. She approaches this idea from three perspectives.

Book Review: Tragedy in the Commons By Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan

Parliament of Canada

From The Catalyst, Summer 2015

Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament Speak Out About Canada’s Failing Democracy 
By Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan
Vintage Canada, 2015

Reviewed by Dennis Gruending

Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan run a think tank called Samara, dedicated to increasing the level of political participation in Canada. That’s a steep hill to climb. Turnout for the federal election in 2011 was 61 per cent. Prior to 1993, turnout usually varied between 70 and 80 per cent. Canada is free and democratic when compared to many other countries, but opinion polls exhibit a deep dissatisfaction with our politics and politicians.